Calling attention to indigenous peoples’ collective rights to marine spaces and resources at the UN
On 21 April 2021, Prof Elisa Morgera highlighted the need to focus not only on land, but also on marine areas and resources, at an international event titled “Sustainable Development Goal 16 and Indigenous Peoples’ collective rights.” The event was organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as part of the 20th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Professor Morgera presented the key issues that are being addressed in a draft study for FAO on legal challenges and opportunities for the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ collective rights to territories, lands and natural resources in the context of SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). The study is being conducted also with inputs from One Ocean Hub colleagues in law, history and anthropology focusing on ocean-related customary laws (see also here).